Pipette cleaning in automated systems

Recently, a number of robotic sample handling systems have been introduced which perform sample preparation steps in laboratory tests. Many of these systems, such as those described by Severns and Hawk and Martin [2], have sophisticated positioning systems which are under computer control. Some of these robotic systems have been configured as dedicated pipettor/diluters whose positioning system manipulates a rigid tube, or pipette, which is connected to a computer-controlled syringe pump. Systems of this type are quite useful for introducing samples from sample tubes into secondary containers (such as microplates) for performing tests. In addition to minimizing the potential for pipetting errors, these systems can also perform data management functions, such as keeping track of sample identification and test results.